LOCAL children’s book author and illustrator, Tessa Yates, has published a new book that answers the question, ‘what do giraffes do when no one is looking?’.
Described as a ‘heart- warming and humorous picture book’ for children aged 3 to 8, ‘Geoffrey Finds A Bike’ tells the story of a giraffe on a bicycle who learns to find the beauty in life when it doesn’t quite go to plan.
“I made ‘Geoffrey Finds a Bike’ during the third UK lockdown to remind myself that sometimes life throws you a curveball,” said Tessa who is the founder of The Happy Book Company, “and it’s best to take your hooves off the handlebars and enjoy the ride. You might be surprised at the beautiful places you end up cycling to.
“Plus, I spent a lot of lockdown cycling in and around Longleat wondering what the giraffes get up to when no one’s looking at them. And I needed to reassure myself that we’d all be cycling our bikes together again soon!”
The book was recently selected as a runner-up in the Stratford-Salariya Picture Book Prize 2021, for its giraffe-based fun and unexpected twists and turns.
About the book, Tessa said, “Geoffrey is a simple soul, he loves his bike, and he’s never happier than when he’s riding it around his forest. He loves it so much he wishes he had someone to share his passion with.
“As if by magic, the wind hears his wish and sweeps his bike away to find… Glenda! After a stormy night she finds the bike and loves it too. But something tells her she’d have more fun with a friend.
“Geoffrey shows us that sharing our favourite things brings the greatest gift of all, connection. And how life is always more fun when we’re together.”
‘Geoffrey Finds a Bike’ is third children’s book published by Tessa – her first book was titled ‘Squirrel and the Three Bears’.
“I’ve been making children’s books about choosing happiness since I made the choice for myself, three years ago, to choose happiness every day no matter what happens,” said Tessa. “And it’s really working.”
Tessa’s books are available from her website: www.thehappybookcompany.com
